The race for governor is entering its final stretch as Republican gubernatorial challenger and Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman and Democratic incumbent Gov. Kathy Hochul continue campaigning across New York in an effort to earn voters' support as early voting is also set to begin in one week.

Blakeman was in Hawthorne, Westchester County, Saturday for a canvass kickoff in one of the state's key political battlegrounds. His campaign message centered on affordability and public safety issues for New Yorkers.

"I will end those policies that make us less safe. I will cut taxes, and I will cut your utility bills in half. I want to make people happy again, create better jobs," Blakeman said. "And I won't spend $8 billion of your money on illegal migrants giving them free food, free housing, free transportation."

Gov. Kathy Hochul attended a South Asian leaders meet-and-greet in Valley Stream on Long Island. During the event, she emphasized the importance of diversity and the American dream for immigrants in the United States.

"They know I'll stand up to ICE. They know I'll protect their families from the tariffs and all the outrageous things Washington [D.C.] is doing to make their lives more expensive," Hochul said. "We are doing everything we can to put more money back in New Yorkers pockets. Largest middle class tax rate cut in 70 years."

Both candidates also stressed the importance of voter participation and getting people to the polls as Election Day approaches.